Laser Skin Tightening: How Does it Work?

Performed by an aesthetician under the direct supervision of a physician laser skin tightening treatments don't require much down time for the patient. While devices used for skin tightening do vary in their modality; the procedures do not require topical anesthetics. These procedures are typically performed in monthly intervals and results can be seen gradually over several months. Because of the gradual improvement, it is important to obtain before photos of the intended treatment area(s) before the procedure, with subsequent photos taken immediately prior to performing each consecutive treatment. A final results photo should be taken one month after the last treatment. This photo journal can show the patient their improvement.

Skin Tightening Devices

The goal of this procedure is to encourage more collagen production in the skin. The source of energy used to produce thermal damage can be either lower wavelength laser, radio waves, infrared light, or any combination of the three.

Light wavelengths, specifically in the infrared spectrum, are used to promote tightening of the skin by heating the dermis. This starts the body's natural healing response. This manner of treatment is called "selective thermal damage". If the dermis becomes "damaged", the body will begin to heal itself by encouraging increased collagen production and the remodeling of the existing collagen. As the layer of collagen builds upon itself, the underlying tissues of the skin contract. The results are a tighter appearance to the skin. The majority of infrared devices deliver their light source in one grid, resulting in a large area of controlled thermal damage. One device on the market is the Palomar LuxDeepIR Fractional which delivers light in an array of columns into the target area of tissue and leaves the surrounding areas untouched. The manufacturer notes that this type of technology reduces discomfort and also promotes faster healing time as the new developing areas of collagen can attach to and build upon the untouched areas. In the use of radio frequency devices, a variance exists from one source of energy to bipolar devices constituting two wavelengths.

Collagen

Collagen is an important protein and structural component of skin. Large amounts of collagen are contained in the dermis. Collagen fibers build a strong mesh responsible for maintaining the texture, strength and resilience of skin. As we get older, our collagen fibers start to break down and the epidermal layer thins. The results are visible sagging, wrinkles and folds. Even though fibroblasts can produce more collagen fibers, the human body's ability to do so decreases as we age.

What to Expect

Although not comparable to plastic surgery, on average, the most dramatic results of skin tightening treatments are seen in the neck and jaw line where the dermal layer is thinner. However, results are not seen until months after one treatment or more. Results are also varied depending on differences in skin texture and thickness and a patient's lifestyle (alcohol, smoking, sleep patterns). Each device states different claims of how painful the procedure is, so some patients may choose to use a topical anesthetic or an analgesic to decrease pain. Side effects may include edema, erythema, or skin blanching immediately following treatment. Rarer side effects of laser skin tightening may include blistering, skin depressions and even slight pigment changes.

March 27 2009 | Cosmetic Surgery | No Comments »